What Causes Blood In Stool?

Colon Polyps

A colon polyp is a clump of cells that develops in the interior lining of the colon. Hyperplastic polyps, hamartomatous polyps, and inflammatory polyps are non-neoplastic and usually do not form malignancy. Serrated polyp types and adenomas are neoplastic polyps that have a greater risk of carcinogenesis. Polyps occur when the cells in the lining of the colon or rectum experience a DNA mutation that causes them to grow and divide inappropriately. Polyps usually do not produce symptoms until they become large and or problematic enough to cause an obstruction, inflammation, or malignancy. Due to repeated friction and irritation from passing stools, polyps may ulcerate and bleed, causing blood in the stool. While bleeding due to polyps can be associated with polyp malignancy, it does not always indicate cancer. Polyps only occur in the large intestine and rectum where the color of blood in the stool provides insight into the relative location of such polyps. Regular preventative colonoscopies can help an individual eradicate any problematic polyps before they result in serious complications like malignancy or those associated with excessive bleeding.

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